Cleaner



H. VAN ROSEN. NOW BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME H. VAN ROOSEN CLEANEROriginal Filed Dec. 21, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG].

"(lllllh Oct. 20, 1936.

'H. VAN ROSEN, NOW BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME H VAN ROOSEN CLEANEROriginal Filed Dec. 21, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 20, 1936.

H. VAN ROSEN, NOW BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME H. VAN ROOSEN CLEANEROriginal Filed Dec. 21, 1931 5 Sheeds-Sheet a FIG.5.

Raw;

Oct. 20, 1936.

H. VAN ROSEN. NOW BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME VAN ROOSEN C EANERoriginalFiled Dec. 21, 1951 .5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGS.

Oct. 20, 1936. 2,058,371

H. VAN ROSEN. NOW BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME H. VAN ROOSEN CLEANER IOriginal Filed Dec. 21, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. 20, 1936PATENT, oFFic enema Hugo Van Rosen, Newton Center, Masa, now by judicialchange of name Hugo Van Boosen Application December 21, 1931, Serial No.582,222

Renewed March 30, 1935 8 Claims. (Cl. 183-8) This invention relates tocleaners, and with regard to certain more specific features, to cleanerssuch as vacuum cleaners for generating a current of dirt-laden air andremoving the dirt from said air.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision ofa cleaner of the class described which efiectively cleans air by meansof a film of dirt-absorbing liquid such as water or disinfectant,against which the current of dirt-laden air is impinged, a cleaner ofthe class described in which, under operating i1 conditions, the film ofwater is positively positioned in most advantageous relationship for theimpinging of the dirt-laden air thereupon; theprovision of a cleaner ofthe class described which is constructed to prevent sloshing and loss ofwater or leakage, especially during operation; a cleaner of the classdescribed which in addition to removing the dirt from a current of air,also humidifies said air before releasing it into the surroundings; acleaner of the class described which is readily and quickly disassembledfor cleaning and the like; and the provision of a cleaner of the class.described which is relatively simple in construction and operation, andrequires a minimum of special parts and the like. Other objects will bein part obvious and in part hereinafter described.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations ofelements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which willbe exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope ofthe application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated several ofvarious possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a cleaner embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the cleaner of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially along line3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section of a fragment of Fig. 3, showing theapplication of an adidtional element;

Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially along lines 55 of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the electrical circuitassociated with a cleaner embodying the invention;

Fig. 7 is a section taken substantially along line 1-1 of Fig. 2;

dirt from the air by means of a body or film of .liquid. Several aircleaners of this type have Fig. 8 is-a verticalsection of a secondembodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is an axial section taken along line 9- 9 of Fig. 8;

Fig, 10 is a fragmentary view of a portion of 6 Fig. 8, showing analternative holding means;

Fig. 11,is a vertical section of a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section illustrating an alternative form ofmounting for the embodiment shown in Fig. 11; and,

Fig. 13 is a vertical section of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughouttheseveral vlews"l of the drawings.

, An inherent disadvantage of vacuum cleaners of the cloth bag type isthat they do not completely remove the dirt from the generated currentof air, but, on the contrary fill the air of the room being cleaned witha fine dust which is distinctly unsanitary and further occasions nasalirritations and the like. Regardless of the fineness of the fabric ofwhich the bag is made, there is always a portion of the dirt which isfiner in particle size, and which is inevitably released into theatmosphere. Another grave disadvantage of the air-bag type of vacuumcleaner is found in the diificulty and lack of sanitation brought aboutthrough cleaning of the cloth bag after it has become substantiallyfilled with dirt.-

Most of thesedisadvantages are overcome through the use of a vacuumcleaner working upon the principle of the precipitation of the beenpresented heretofore, but they are uniformly disadvantageous, ifirst, inthat they require the carrying of a large body of liquid which has theeffect of making the cleaner unduly heavy and diflicult to move about,and second, in that most prior devices aconstruction is had whichinvolves a number of tortuous passages through which the dirt-laden airis carried and in which it is impinged against a flow of liquid. Suchtortuous passages and the like greatly increase the bulk of the cleaner,making it of an unwieldy size, and in addition increase the rate ofconsumption of water. I

The present invention overcomes these difficulties, and provides avacuum cleaner of the liquid type which is compact, small, and light inweight.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated atnumeral the customary form-56 of nozzle, provided with a brush 3 androllers 5. The brush 3 is rotated when in operation by the rolling ofthe rollers 5 upon the surface to' be cleaned. The nozzle I has a throatportion 1, which delivers into a lower casing 9 (see Fig. 2). The lowercasing 9 is frusto-conical in general appearance, and is surmounted by acylindrical portion II. v flange I3 upwardly terminates the lower casing9. A Surrounding the lower casing 9 is an upper cylindrical casing I5,of approximately the same diameter as the cylindrical portion II of thecasing 9. The casing I5 has a lower annular flange I1 which is adaptedto engage with the flange I3. Between the flanges I3 and I1 a rubbergasket I9 (see also Fig. 3) is provided. The rubber gasket I9 isdesirably maintained in a suitable channel 2| in the flange l3.

Extending rearwardly from the casings 9 and I5 are projecting members 23and 25, respectively. These projecting members each have means forreceiving a pair of hinging studs 21. means of the studs 21 the uppercasing I5 may be rotated away from engagement with the lower casing 9,as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

Between the projections 23 and the lower casing 9 is provided a spout29. The spout 29 terminates upwardly in a threaded portion 3I which isadapted to threadedly receive a cap 33. A rubber gasket 35 normallyseals the cap 33 to the spout 29. Projecting rearwardly from the spout29 is a lug 31, which is bored to receive a hearing pin 39 of a castor4|. The castor 4| is free to rotate about its own axle 43 and also torotate in a plane normal thereto about the pin 39. Thus it is permittedto trail in any direction when the cleaner as a whole is moved. 7

As will be seen in Fig. 3 the throat 1 of the nozzle I projects somedistance into the lower casing 9. Prior to its termination in saidcasing, however, there is provided a sideward opening or tube 45, whichis threaded at its outer extremity 41 to receive a cap 49 having asuitable knurled knob 5|. The function of the tube 45 is illustratedmore in particular in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4 it will be seen that the cap 49has been removed and replaced by a telescoping tube 53. The tube 53 hasan exterior diameter substantially equal to the interior diameter of thetube 45, so that when it is inserted therein a substantial seal iseffected. The tube 53 has an angular end as illustrated at numeral 55. pThe end 55 is so arranged that it seals off the lower portion of thethroat 1 fmm the upper portion thereof, and at the same time places thetube 53 in communication with said upper portion 1. The tube 53 may beused for connecting small appliances, such as drapery cleaners and thelike, which are usually placed at the end of a flexible tube (notshown), during the use oflwhich it is not ordinarilydesiredtousethenozzle I. x I

Returning to Fig. 3, itwill be seen that the upper casing I5 issurmounted by a motor housing 51. Studs 59 secure the housing 51 to thecasing I5. Supported within the housing 51 is a motor 5| of suitablecharacteristics for achieving the work described hereinafter. The mannerof supporting the motor ii is particularly advantageous as will beindicated more fully herein after. It is substantially as follows: thetop of the upper casing I5 includes an annular opening 63, the edge ofwhich is grooved to form an inwardly spaced pair of clamping surfaces55. The motor Si is formed with a disc 91 which is outwardly grooved topresent clamping surfaces 59 facing An annular, outwardly-extending theclamping surfaces 55. Firmly secured in the clamping surfaces 95 and 99is a flat rubber annulus 1|. The rubber annulus is of suitable rigidityto support the weight of the motor 6|, but is also flexible enough toabsorb shocks and permit a slight rotation of the motor 5| underconditions to be described hereinafter.

The shaft 13 of the motor 6| extends through an opening in the disc 91and into the enclosing means or chamber formed by juxtaposition of theupper and lower casings I5 and 9. It is preferably, although notnecessarily, coaxial with the upper end of the throat 1.

Secured to the end of the shaft 13 as by a nut 15 in a non-rotatablemanner is a pair of elements. I The first of these elements is a fanblade arrangement 11. The design and positioning of the fan blades is oflittle consequence so long as they function as hereinafter described.-The arrangement is such that they create a suction through the nozzle Iand'throat 1, thereby forming a draft of dirt-laden air, and then directsaid air radially outwardly from the region of the fan blades.

The second element aflixed to the shaft 13 in a non-rotatable mannercomprises a bowl 19. It is the bowl 19 with which the present inventionis particularly concerned. The bowl 19 has an upper, substantiallycylindrical portion ti, and a lower open-ended frusto-conical portion83. In general conformation it resembles the combination of the casings9 and I5, although it is of such size that it can freely rotate withouttouching the inner walls of said casings 9 and Ill. The upper end of thecylindrical portion Si is closed, except for a number of spaced holes oropenings 91 therein.

The disc 61 has a number of spaced openings 89 for permitting thepassage of air from the casing I5 into the motor housing 51. upper endof the motor housing 51 are provided a number of openings 9I, which arepreferably screened in order to prevent foreign objects from enteringthe motor housing, for delivery of the air received through the openings99.

Bosses 93 which project from the lower casing 9 at diametricallypositioned points rotatably receive a forked handle 95, of a generalconformation customary in the art. The forked handle terminates upwardlyin a single handle 91. Loosely mounted on the handle 91 is a ferrule 99,which has a pair of notches IIII cut therein whereby it is adapted toslip over and across the forked handle 95. Mountedon the top of themotor housing 51 is a boss I 03. The depending legs I95 of the ferrule99 as formed by the notches I II are adapted to surround the boss I03 tohold the handle 91 in a,given position when it is so desired. It will beseen that the position may be At the readily changed merely by liftingthe ferrule 99,

which is free to slide upon the handle 91, thus diseng ing it from theboss I 03.

The casings 9 and I5 are normally held together by a pair ofovercentering clamps I01 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The clamps I91 areillustrated in more detail in Fig. '7. By reference to Fig. 7, it willbe seen that for a short region the flanges I3 and I1 are extendedoutwardly to form projections I01 and I09 respectively. The projectionI91 includes a seat III substantially semicylindrical in character.Numeral II3 indicates a substantially cylindrical camming member whichis provided with a projecting handle I II.

A closed wire linking I I1 is rotatably mounted in 75 the projection I99and in the cylinder II3, it being somewhat off-center in the cylinderII3. It will be seen that by lifting the handle II away j and I5 may berotated away from each other.

The oil-center relationship of the link III in the cam II3 permits apressure to be brought to fasten the casings 9 and I5 securely togetherwhen in operation.

It will be understood that the above form of clamp is shown by way ofillustration only, and that the nature of the clamp is not essential tothe present invention.

Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, numeral II9 indicates a small electricswitch that is formed on the casing I5 in the region of the flange II-Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary form of this switch, although it is tobe understoodthat its precise construction is immaterial totheinvention.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that there is formed as'anextension of the flange II, a cylindrical or like housing I2I. Oppositethe housing I2I is a projection I23 of substantially the same contourformed as an extension of the flange I3 on the lower casing 9. Thecasing I2I includes a pair of double spring contacts I23, suitablyinsulated as at I25, and adapted to connect and disconnect with aninsulated plunger I2I having contacting bars I28 mounted thereon. Theplunger I2'I has a pin I29 which extends through the lower portion ofthe casing I2I. The plunger is also provided with a pin I3I whichreceives a compression spring I33 normally held in position by means ofa pin I35 mounted in a removable cap portion I3I. The compression springI33 is arranged so that it normally urges the plunger I2I to a positionshown in dotted lines in Fig. 5, such that a shoulder I39 of saidcontactor seats against the lower surface of the housing I2I.

housing I2I.

When the casings 9 and I5 are juxtaposed, now, the projection I23 on thelower casing 9 engages the projecting pin I29 and forces it backwardlyagainst the compression spring I33 to force the plunger I 21 back, thusforcing the contacting bars I28 into connecting position across therespective contacting springs I23. The operation of the switch isautomatic and effectual upon opening and closing of the casings 9 andI5.

The electrical circuit of the cleaner as a whole is illustrateddiagrammatically in Fig. 6. It will be seen that the motor SI and theswitch II9 are connected in series with a customary handle switch I, andthence through a customary flexible cord I33 to a connecting plug I35.The switch II9 provides a'safeguard whereby, when the casings 9 and I5are opened from one another, it is impossible for the motor ii to beenergized. The advantage of this will appear more particularlyhereinafter. Under normal conditions, operation of the cleaner iscontrolled by the handle switch Hi, the switch II9 being in closedposition.

The operation of the cleaner, assuming the elements to be initially intheir Fig. 3 position, is as follows:

The cap 33 closing the end of spout 29 is re- 3 By this time it may havebecome charged with a moved, and a dirt-absorbing liquid such aswater,or water to which a desirable quantity of disin- In this normal positionthe pin I29 extends a relatively great distance from the fectant hasbeen added, is introduced therein until a liquid level substantiallythat indicated by numeral I4I is reached. It is essential that the levelI" be above the lowermost point of the bowl I9. The cap 33 is thenreplaced. With the water level so established, the switch I ismanipulated to set the motor 8| into operation. The bowl I9 and the fan'II both being non-rotatably secured to the shaft I3 of the motor 6|,are rapidly brought to a high rotation speed. Rotation of the bowl I9sets up centrifugal forces which cause the liquid to be drawn up orpumped along the conical portion 83 of the bowl l9 and established in acylindrical film around the inside of the cylindrical portion 8| of thebowl I9. The water is held in this position by means of the centrifugalforce. Thelevel of the water under rotating conditions is illustrated atnumeral I49. The conical portion 83 of the bowl I9 continues to draw upor pump the water until the liquid level I" has dropped below thelowermost portion of said conical portion83. By this time a film ofwater has been established at the I 49 position of appreciable depth.Meanwhile, the fan 'II creates a suction through the nozzle I, and, whenthe device is moved in a manner customary with vacuum cleaners, thebrush 3 and the suction in the nozzle I combine to draw dirt and thelike from the surface being cleaned; The'dirtladen air passing throughthe throat I meets the rapidly rotating blades of the fan 11 and ischanged in direction and impinged in a radial direction against the filmof water I49. Again by reason of the centrifugal force, combined withthe inertial forces of the particles incident to the speed of thedirt-laden air, the dirt particles are thrown against the filmof waterI39 with considerable violence. By reason of the inherent absorbentcharacteristics of the water it retains the dirt particles thus impingedagainst it, while permitting the air, now free of such dust and dirtparticles, to find its way out through the openings 81, 89, and 9I intothe surrounding atmosphere. I g

As the cleaner is reciprocated over the floor in customary manner, acertain amount of sloshing of the water in the spout 29 and lowerportion of the facing 9 is bound to take place. However, whenever thissloshing causes the liquid level I" to rise above the lowermost point ofthe bowl I9, the water is immediately drawn up and positioned at itsnumeral I49 level. Thus, the natural sloshing of the water as the deviceis reciprocated is taken advantage of to increase the facility withwhich water is brought into its most active position.

The effectiveness of the cleaner as a whole is probably due to thefactthat the water is positioned during operation in a plane normal to thedirection, and'completely surrounding the flow, of the high velocity,dirt-laden air. That is, the dirt-laden gases are impinged, ata highvelocity. in a direction normal to the film of water. This increases thecompleteness with which the dirt particles are removed from thedirt-laden air.

When it is desired to stop operation of the device, the switch I isopened, thereby stopping the motor 6i. As soon as the bowl I9 and fan IIstop rotating, there no longer being any centrifugalforce to hold thewater at its numeral I49 level, said water immediately runs back intothe lower portion of the casing 9 and the spout 29.

large amount of dirt and dust particles. In such event the cap 33 isagain removed from the spout 29, and the device as a whole lifted up andthe dirty water poured from the cleaner. It will be seen that this maybe done in a very convenient and easy manner. The device may then befilled with fresh water and the cap 33 replaced for subsequentoperation.

From time to time, a quantity of dirt accumulates on the walls of thebowl I9. Under such conditions, it is desirable to remove and clean thebowl 19 much as a dirty pan is cleaned. For this operation, the clampsI01 are freed, and

' the casing I5 rotated about the studs 21 to the 6 I, and rotationthereof, which might be dangerous to fingers and the like, is therebypositively prevented.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the device operates under suchconditions that sloshing or displacement of the liquid body is reducedto a minimum. What small amount of liquid remains in the spout 29 isineffectual to accomplish any harm, because of the fact that the liquidis effectually sealed within the cleaner. The sealing is accomplished bythe gaskets I9 and 35. Thus there is no danger of dirty liquid or thelike spilling from the container on rugs or other surfaces beingcleaned.

While the embodiment thus far described is considered to be the mostpractical, it is not necessary in all instances that the device beadapted to charge and discharge itself when the motor is started andstopped. With the above in mind, the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 8to 16 have been designed. Referring more particularly to Fig. 8, it willbe seen that the axis of the motor 6| is now horizontal, instead ofoblique as in the Fig. 1 embodiment. Thus, the fan 11 and bowl 19 rotateon a horizontal axis instead of on an oblique axis. The bowl I9 issimilar in construction to the bowl of the Fig. 1 embodiment The bowl I9and fan 11 are again assembled as a unit to be mounted on the motorshaft 13. Relative nonrotatability of the bowl fan assembly on the shaftI3 is secured by means of a pin or key I5I (see also Fig. 9), which issecured in the end of the shaft I3, and which fits into a key way I53formed in a bushing I55 which is secured to the fan-bowl assembly. Aresilient foraminous element I51 is secured across the outlet of thethroat I of the nozzle I. Centrally located in the foraminous elementI51 is a ball retainer I59, which holds a ball I6I (of the generalnature of a ball bearing).

The ball I6I, when the device is in operating position, engages a flatnose I63 on the bushing I55, and thus prevents the fan-bowl assemblyfrom being removed from the motor shaft I3.

In Fig. is illustrated an alternative method of securing the fan-bowlassembly against removal from the motor shaft 13. In this instance. theforaminous element I51 is not used, and in place thereof a tube I65 ismounted in the throat 1 in such a manner as to form a continuation ofthe axis of the motor shaft I3. One end of the tube I65 is bent in as atnumeral I61 to form a ball retainer for the ball I6I. The other end ofthe tube I6! is threaded to receive a tension adjusting plug I69. Acompression spring III, with a follower I13 at its ball-engaging end.provides the resilient pressure substituting for that of the foraminouselement I51 in Fig. 8. ..5

It is to be. understood that the casing for the fan-bowl is divided intofront section 9 and back section I5 similar to the related sections inthe Fig. 1 embodiment. Further, suitable hinging and clamping-means arealso provided.

The operation of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8 is as follows:

By lifting the casing section 9 from the casing section I5 access isgained to the fan bowl. Water or other suitable dirt-absorbing liquid isnow introduced therein. The water assumes a liquid level such as thatindicated at numeral I15. '.It will be seen that the body of water is inthe shape of a chord of the circle constituting the outer circumferenceof the bowl. closed upon the casing I5 and secured in position thereon.When the fan motor is now started, centrifugal action distributes thebody of water about the entire inner circumference of the fan bowl in asubstantially cylindrical film, and the liquid level assumed issubstantially that illustrated at numeral III. Again it will be seenthat a film of water is provided against which the dirtladen air isimpinged by the blades of the fan. The current of air, after it has beenimpinged against the film of water, leaves the front .end of thefan-bowl, passes around the outer circumference thereof to the back andout around the motor to the vent or opening 9|, whence it is dischargedinto the atmosphere.

When the water has become so dirty that it is desired to replace it, themotor is disconnected.

The slowing down action of the motor is itself suflicient to prevent anyabrupt stoppage of the fan-bowl, and disadvantageous ejection of thewater therefrom is thereby eliminated. When the bowl finally comes torest, the dirt and water will, if sufiiciently liquid, collect in thebottom portion and again resume a liquid level such as that shown atI15. Or, if the liquid has been so sat-- urated with dirt as to have nolonger the viscosity necessary to flow, the pasty mass remains adheringto the inner wall of the fan bowl. If the portion of the casing 9 is nowremoved from the portion I5, the fan-bowl may be removed from the motorshaft 13 and placed under a water faucet or the like. Then it is easilycleaned.

The function of the rubber motor mounting in this and the priorembodiment is to absorb the forces incident to the initial unsymmetricalposi-.-

tioning of the body of liquid considered with respect to the rotationalaxis. .As symmetrical dis- The casing 9 is now tribution is securedthrough the centrifugal forces set up, the rubber mounting permits themotor, and attached elements, to return to its normal axial position.

Fig. 11 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention operatingsomewhat according tothe principles of the Fig. 8 embodiment. In thisinstance, the motor shaftis vertical, and the intake nozzle I, by meansof its throat I, discharges downwardly into the fan-bowl. In thisembodiment, the casing for the fan-bowl is again divided into an upperportion I19 and a lowerportion I8I, which are secured together by thecus-.

tomary clamp and the like. Thefan and bowl are again assembled as a unitand mounted upon a central bushing I83 which has a socket I includingkeyways I91 inthe upper end thereof.

The socket I9! is arranged toreceiveaspherical end I99, having a pintherein, mounted upon the lower end of the motor shaft 13. The underside of the bushing I93 includes a conical seat I9I, which rests upon aconical bearing I93 centrally mounted in the lower casing I8I. Theconical bearing arrangement at numerals HI and I93 may be replaced by asuitable roller thrust hearing I95 such as illustrated in Fig. 12. Thebalance of the fan-bowl upon the bearing I93 is enhanced, and therotational inertia increased, by means of a ring I91 of heavy metalmounted on the underside of the bowl 19. This ring I91, it will easilybe seen, operates upon the principle of a flywheel effect.

It is to be understood that the flywheel ring I91 may be added to any ofthe embodiments hereinbefore discussed, where the weight of the liquidand the like make it desirable.

The operation of the Fig. 11 embodiment is as follows:

The lower casing IBI is dropped from the upper casing I19 by opening theclamps provided. It will be seen that the fan-bowl 19 may then bereadily removed and filled to a desired level, such as that indicated atI99, with the dirtabsorbing liquid. It will be seen that the initialcapacity of this formof bowl is considerably in excess of both priormodifications described, inasmuch as it is maintained at all times in anupright position.

'The fan-bowl 19 with its liquid level therein is now placed in positionwith the pin on the motor shaft 13 suitably positioned in the bushingsocket I83. The bottom casing I9I is now brought into position with thebearing I93 in the bearing surface I9I. and the clamps applied tomaintain such position. When the motoris now started, the liquid isthrown by centrifugal action to the position illustrated by numeral 29I.In this position the dirt-laden air is again impinged upon the film atright angles thereto. When it is desired to clean the fan-bowl, themotor stops, the lower casing I8I is removed, and the fanbowl lifted outof the cleaner, flushed and replaced in the same manner as in theprevious embodiment.

Fig. 13 illustrates still another embodiment in which the axis of themotor is again oblique as in the Fig. 1 embodiment, but in thisinstance, the free shaft end of the motor is in the upper, instead ofthe lower position. In this embodiment, the fan bowl is preferably giventhe conformation indicated at numeral 293, with the fan blades nowarranged as the elements of a cone. The fan blades, however, are stillarranged to direct the air at right angles to the centrifugal film ofwater. The casing for the fan-bowl and motor, illustrated at numeral205, is in this instance made in a single piece with a lid 201 hinged asat 209 on the top front thereof.

The lid 291 provides means whereby the fanbowl 293 may be removed forcleaning. In this embodiment, the connection of the fan-bowl to themotor shaft 13 is similar to that in the Fig. 8 embodiment and does notrequire re-description. The lid 291 carries centrally a cylinder 294which telescopes with a second cylinder 296. A cover 298 normally closesthe outer end of the cylinder 294. Holes 2! in the cylinders 294 and 296mesh to provide an inlet for the air coming through the passage seven. Ascreen 2l2 bottoms the cylinder 294.

In the operation of the present embodiment, the fan-bowl 293 is filledwith water to the liquid level indicated at numeral 2I I. When the motoris started, the liquid arranges itself under the centrifugal force andforms the usual cylindrical film with its level as indicated at numeral2I3. Thus the liquid is again positioned directly in the path of thedirt-laden air, as it comes from the nozzle I through passage 1 andholes 2l9 into the cylinder 294, and thence through the screen 2I2 tothe fan, and eifectively frees the air of its dirt.

positioned is of little consequence to the operability of the invention.The various embodiments have shown vertical, horizontal, and obliqueaxes in two directions. In each of these the fan and bowl are soarranged that under the centrifugal action a cylindrical film of wateris presented directly normal to the path imparted to the dirt-laden airstream. Centrifugal action in all of these embodiments is suificient tohold the liquid in such position regardless of the reciprocatory motionof the cleaner as it is moved on the carpet to be cleaned.

Throughout the specification, where reference has been made to the wateror other dirt absorbing liquid, it is to be understood that adisinfectant may be added if it is so desired. Further, any liquidadapted for the reception and holding of dirt may be satisfactorilyused. For example, certain oils of high viscosity and low vapor tensionare quite successful inthis particular use.

An advantage of the invention as heretofore described is found in thefact that the cleaned air released into the surrounding atmosphere,instead of being dry as in the bag form of vacuum cleaner,

is suitably humidified by its contact with the 'water therein. This isitself a decided advantage. inasmuch as the atmosphere of 'the roombeing cleaned is not only left free of dust, but is also humidified to adesirable extent.

The safety switch illustrated'in Fig. 5 and described in connection withthe Fig. 1 embodiment is desirably used with all of the variousembodiments of the invention, as it provides a safety factor whereby thefan-bowl and like cannot run under any circumstances when the casing isopened, thus to furnish an element which might be dangerous to fingerswhen the bowl is changed or flushed or the like.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

I claim:

1. In a vacuum cleaner, enclosing means comprising a pair of casingsadapted to fit together, means within said casings for creating a draftof dirt-laden air comprising a fan and an electric motor for rotatingsaid fan, means within said casings for removing the dirt from saiddirt-laden air comprising a bowl coaxial with said fan and arranged tobe rotated by said motor with said fan, said bowl being adapted tomaintain, through centrifugal forces when rotating, a tubular film ofdirt-absorbing liquid disposed to be in the direct path of said draft ofdirt-laden air from said fan and an electric switch mounted on one ofsaid 6 casings adapted to permit flow of electric current to said motoronly when said casings are juxtaposed.

' 2. Means for removing dirt and the like from dirt-laden air comprisinga casing containing a body of dirt-absorbing liquid; a bowl within saidcasing, said bowl comprising a cylindrical portion, the upper end ofwhich is substantially closed, and a conical portion diminishing indiameter from the region of its jointure with said cylindrical portion,said conical and cylindrical portions being coaxial, their axis beingoblique to the general plane of the device, and said conical portionbeing open at its small end, with at least a portion of said small endnormally positioned below the liquid level of said body ofdirt-absorbing liquid; a motor coaxial with said bowl and arranged torotate the same, whereby said liquid, through centrifugal force, ispumped by said conical portion from said body of liquid to saidcylindrical portion, and there maintained in a substantially cylindricalfilm; and a series of fan blades disposed radiallywith respect to theaxis of said bowl, said blades, upon rotation with said bowl, creating adraft of dirt-laden air and directing it against the inner periphery ofsaid cylindrical film of liquid.

3. In a vacuum cleaner, means for establishing and cleaning a draft ofdirt-laden air comprising a bowl, said bowl being substantiallycylindrical about its axis, said bowl terminating at one end with aclosure, and at the other end with a liquidretaining rim, a fan withinsaid bowl, and a motor simultaneously rotating said fan and said bowlthereby actuating said fan to create a draft of dirt-laden air anddirect said draft against the inner wall of said bowl, and therebyforming a cylindrical film of liquid introduced into said bowl inposition to be impacted by said draft of dirt-' laden air.

4 In a vacuum cleaner, means for establishing and cleaning a draft ofdirt-laden air comprising a bowl, said bowl being substantiallycylindrical about a substantially horizontal axis, said bowl-terminating at one end with a closure, and at the other end with aliquid-retaining rim, a fan within said bowl, and a motor simultaneouslyrotating said fan and said bowl thereby actuating said fan to create adraft of'dirt-laden air and direct said draft against the inner wall ofsaid bowl, and

thereby forming a cylindrical film of liquid introduced into said bowlin position to be impacted by said draft of dirt-laden air.

5. In a vacuum cleaner, means for establishing and cleaning a draft ofdirt-laden air comprising a bowl, said bowl being substantiallycylindrical about a substantially vertical axis, said bowl terminatingat one end with a closure, and at the other end with a liquid-retainingrim, a fan within said bowl, and a motor simultaneously rotating saidfan and said bowl thereby actuating said fan to create a draft ofdirt-laden air and direct said draft against the inner wall of saidbowl, and thereby forming a cylindrical film of liquid introducedintosaid bowl in position to be impacted by said draft of dirt-ladenair.

6. In a vacuum cleaner, means for establishing and cleaning a draft ofdirt-laden air comprising a bowl, said bowl being substantiallycylindrical about an oblique axis, said bowl terminating at one end witha closure, and at the other end with a liquid-retaining rim, a fanwithin said bowl, and a motor simultaneously rotating said fan and saidbowl thereby actuating said fan to create a draft of dirt-laden air'anddirect said draft against the inner wall of said bowl, and therebyforming a cylindrical film of liquid introduced into said bowl inposition to be impacted by said draft of dirtladen air.

7. A device as in claim 3, further characterized in that saidbowl has acentral bushing including a keyway, and said motor has a shaft includinga key adapted to fit in said keyway, whereby said bowl and motor arequickly separable but are rotationally fixed relative to eachother.

8. Means for removing dirt and the like from dirt-laden air comprisingenclosing means comprising a pair of casings adapted to fit together,means within said casing for creating a draft of dirt-laden aircomprising a fan and an electric motor for rotating said fan, meanswithin said casing for removing the dirt from said dirt-laden aircomprising a bowl coaxial with said fan and arranged to be rotated bysaid motor with said fan, said bowl being adapted to maintain, throughcentrifugal forces when rotating, a tubular film of dirt-absorbingliquid disposed to be in the direct path of said draft of dirt-laden airfrom said fan.

HUGO VAN ROSEN.

